Segmented Oral Device with Activating Member for Electrochemical and Optical Treatments
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved oral care devices and methods that effectively treat the oral cavity, as existing products often fail to provide comprehensive benefits such as enhanced tooth whitening and enamel strengthening in a convenient and efficient manner.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-piece oral care device comprising an insert with an active agent and an activating member that includes a power source, electrodes, or a light source, allowing for electrochemical or light-based treatments of teeth, with interchangeable inserts for various oral benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single oral care device is used to provide multiple benefits (whitening, strengthening), then the device versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oral care device is divided into two main segments: a reusable activating member containing the power source and activating element, and interchangeable inserts containing different activating agents. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while providing multiple functions through component combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The activating member is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple types of inserts. The housing contains a power source and activating element (electrodes or light source) that can activate different chemical agents, enabling a single device to provide multiple oral care benefits including whitening and enamel strengthening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable inserts are provided for different oral benefits, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a permanent activating member and removable inserts. Each insert is a self-contained unit with a specific activating agent formulated for a particular oral care benefit, allowing users to swap inserts based on their needs without replacing the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different inserts contain activating agents with different chemical compositions and properties tailored for specific functions. For example, one insert may contain peroxide-based agents for whitening while another contains fluoride or calcium-based agents for strengthening, allowing parameter changes in chemical composition to achieve different oral care outcomes.
3Reliability
If electrochemical or light-based activation methods are used, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces mechanical activation methods (such as rubbing or brushing) with electrochemical or optical activation. Electrical fields from electrodes or light from LEDs activate the chemical agents, providing more consistent and effective therapeutic action without requiring intense mechanical effort from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The activating element (electrodes or light source) serves as an intermediary that converts electrical energy into chemical or optical energy to activate the activating agents. This intermediary mechanism enables controlled and precise activation of different inserts, ensuring reliable therapeutic effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a power source is integrated into the activating member, then the functionality is improved, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is integrated into the activating member, which is a reusable component, while the inserts remain lightweight and disposable. This segmentation concentrates the weight of the power source in one component that does not need to be replaced, allowing the inserts to remain light and convenient for frequent replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserts are designed as disposable or frequently replaceable components without power sources, keeping them lightweight. The power source is contained in the reusable activating member that has a longer lifespan, amortizing the weight burden over extended use while maintaining convenience for the user.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a convenient and effective means to administer different oral benefits, including tooth whitening and enamel strengthening, by using a single activating member with various inserts, offering a range of therapeutic effects with minimal user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The activating member includes a power source (e.g., a battery) for powering an activating element
Implementation Method 2
The activating element may include electrodes for, along with the activating agent, providing an electrochemical benefit to the wearer's teeth
Implementation Method 3
In other embodiments, the activating element may be a light source positioned to irradiate the wearer's teeth
Data Source
AI summary
An oral care implement herein may be embodied as an oral device for placement in the oral cavity. The device may include an insert configured for placement in the oral cavity in contact with a wearer's teeth and an activating member configured for placement in the oral cavity and selectively attachable to the insert.